Situated just two miles south of the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone, the Con Thien Combat Base was a strategically vital U.S. Marine Corps outpost. Famously nicknamed the “Hill of Angels,” the base became the target of a brutal, protracted siege in 1967 where defenders endured some of the heaviest and most relentless artillery bombardments of the Vietnam War.
You may also like:
• Content by Tam Le, founder of HOIAN DAY TRIP
• Designed by Giang Cong Minh, co-founder of LS E&C LTD and his team
• Photo by Dang Cong Loi, Dao Xuan Son, Tam Le & others
Must Knows about Con Thien Combat Base
– Location/address: Con Thien commune, Quang Tri province, Vietnam
– Other name(s): Con Tien Combat Base (Vietnamese side), Căn cứ chiến đấu Cồn Tiên
– Opening hours:
– Construction year:
– Ticket price: free
– Best time to visit: the dry season, sunny days
– Time to spend: 30 mins
– Reason(s) to visit: one of important historical sites in Vietnam Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.com/con-thien-combat-base/
– Recognition(s): national historical site in 1986
– Food & drink: not available
– Shopping: not available
– Tour guide: contact +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo)
– Fact:
Con Thien Combat Base on Map
Brief History of Con Thien Combat Base
Con Thien was a vital U.S. Marine Corps combat base located just two miles south of the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and north of Gio Linh. Established in 1966, its elevated terrain provided strategic surveillance over infiltration routes used by the People’s Army of Vietnam (PAVN).
Throughout 1967 and 1968, Con Thien became the target of relentless artillery, mortar, and rocket attacks from North Vietnamese positions north of the DMZ. Enduring daily bombardments that earned it the grim nickname “The Hill of Angels,” the base suffered heavy casualties during intense engagements like Operation Hickory.
Despite being heavily battered, the garrison held firm, blocking major enemy invasions. Con Thien played a crucial role in the defense of South Vietnam’s northernmost province until it was largely phased out of active combat operations in 1969 as U.S. forces transitioned to new strategies.
HOIAN DAY TRIP Company organize tours to Vietnam Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) from Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An.
Tour 1: DMZ Tour from Hue (Half Day)
Tour 2: DMZ Tour from Hue (Full Day)
Tour 3: DMZ Tour from Da Nang
Tour 4: DMZ Tour from Hoi An
To book, contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/zalo) or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com
Thank you so much!
What to See in Con Thien Combat Base Today?
Con Thien Combat Base doesn’t exist anymore nowadays, and there is nothing much to see, except the sign which informs people that it’s recognized by Vietnam government as a historical site and protecte by the laws. The area where it’s located, becomes a large rubber plantation. On the western side, the modern Ho Chi Minh Trail (highway) crosses it.
To see the last and small remains of Con Thien Combat Base, visitors need to go with an experienced local guide or at least someone who lives there.
There is a state project aiming to rebuild the Mcmamara Line in the Vietnam War and a part of Con Thien Combat Base. However, it’s not yet started.
The alternative to Con Thien Combat Base is Khe Sanh Combat Base (65km to the west). There, visitors can see historical aircraft, military tanks, reconstructed bunkers, and remnants of the old airstrip.
HOIAN DAY TRIP Company organize tours to Vietnam Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) from Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An.
Tour 1: DMZ Tour from Hue (Half Day)
Tour 2: DMZ Tour from Hue (Full Day)
Tour 3: DMZ Tour from Da Nang
Tour 4: DMZ Tour from Hoi An
To book, contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/zalo) or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com
Thank you so much!
How to Get to Con Thien Combat Base (DMZ)
Con Thien Combat Base (Con Tien Combat Base) is located on a hill in Con Tien commune, Quang Tri province, Vietnam. This hills is covered by rubber plantations today.
From Dong Ha, the distance to Con Thien Combat Base is around 20km. Visitors can take a taxi, private car/van, motorbike, or/and tours.
If go by motorbike from Dong Ha, the most convenient route is via Highway 1A. Go northwards (towards Hien Luong Bridge) and at this crossroad 16°55’50.5″N 107°04’29.8″E on Google maps, turn left and go straight until the end – the modern Ho Chi Minh Trail. That’s the area where the base was established before.
From Hue, the distance to Con Thien Combat Base is around 100km. This place is 10km from the main tourist route – Highway 1A. So, if plan to see Vinh Moc Tunnels and Hien Luong Bridge (17th Parallel), visitors can go to this place.
From Da Nang and Hoi An, the distance to Con Thien Combat Base is around 200km and 230km. To get there, visitors need a private transfer by car/van or private tour. Be prepared for a long trip (at least 10 hours).
HOIAN DAY TRIP Company organize tours to Vietnam Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) from Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An.
Tour 1: DMZ Tour from Hue (Half Day)
Tour 2: DMZ Tour from Hue (Full Day)
Tour 3: DMZ Tour from Da Nang
Tour 4: DMZ Tour from Hoi An
To book, contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/zalo) or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com
Thank you so much!
Guided Tours to Con Thien Combat Base (Vietnam DMZ)
Here are guided tours to Con Thien Combat Base (Vietnam DMZ):
HOIAN DAY TRIP Company organize tours to Vietnam Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) from Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An.
Tour 1: DMZ Tour from Hue (Half Day)
Tour 2: DMZ Tour from Hue (Full Day)
Tour 3: DMZ Tour from Da Nang
Tour 4: DMZ Tour from Hoi An
To book, contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/zalo) or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com
Thank you so much!
Other Places to Visit in Vietnam Demilitarized Zone
Besides Con Thien Combat Base, visitors can go to these places to visit:
– Along Highway 1A: Vinh Moc Tunnels, Hien Luong Bridge, Ben Hai River, Quang Tri Citadel, Doc Mieu Base, Con Thien Combat Base, Truong Son National Military Cemetary, Ben Tat Bridge, Our Lady of La Vang Church, Long Hung Church, Bo De School, Quang Tri Mine Action Visitor Center, Cua Tung Beach, Cua Viet Beach, Quang Tri Museum 2, Dong Ha Market, Gio Linh Firebase, Dong Ha Combat Base, Cua Viet Combat Base, Quang Tri Combat Base.
– Along Highway QL9 (Road 9): Khe Sanh Combat Base (Ta Con Airfield), Khe Sanh Monument, The Rockpile (Elliot Combat Base), Camp Caroll (Hill 241), Lang Vay (Lang Vei) Special Forces Camp, Dakrong Bridge, Ho Chi Minh Trail, Road 9 National Military Cemetery, Lao Bao Prison, Ca Lu Combat Base, Vandegrift Combat Base.
HOIAN DAY TRIP Company organize tours to Vietnam Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) from Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An.
Tour 1: DMZ Tour from Hue (Half Day)
Tour 2: DMZ Tour from Hue (Full Day)
Tour 3: DMZ Tour from Da Nang
Tour 4: DMZ Tour from Hoi An
To book, contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/zalo) or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com
Thank you so much!
Photos, Videos about Con Thien Combat Base
Here are beautiful photos and videos about Con Thien Combat Base:
